What does 'in a coons age' mean?

Question

I see this phrase in many of the western books i read and am just wondering what it means exactly and why its put that way? Im guessing it means in a while but I would like to know the proper meaning to it, please.

Answer 1

It actually means raccoons! Raccoons live a long time compared to other forest animals and that is what it means.

Answer 2

A coon's age, I believe, is a misnomer for longevity. Through a combination of severe hard physical labour, poor nutrition, inadequate housing and the emotional and spiritual deprivations of slavery, many African American negroes in the 18th and 19th Century aged prematurely. Even while relatively young, many negroes gave the appearance of advanced old age and were therefore made a byword for longevity

Answer 3

"In the lifespan of a raccoon".  They live 10-12 years.

Answer 4

Youre right, means a long time. How it came to be, I wish I knew.

Answer 5

Does the word 'coon' still fly here?

Answer 6

I have never heard of, or read this anywhere in my life.

What western books?

The term 'coon' is racist.

I thought you meant western as in not eastern!!!

In that case, I've never read a 'western' book, but yes, to use the word in conversation would indeed be racist.

Though there are plenty of them on here!